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Mike Preston | Bird Photographer

@global.birder

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Mike Preston | Bird photographer & biologist 🦉 Chasing birds worldwide — photos, stories & fun bird facts 🦆

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Snow Partridge. At nearly 4,200 m () elevation, on a very chilly but clear sky morning, I had the privilege of photographing a pair of snow partridge before the morning sun rose above the mountain peaks. Shooting in the morning glow gave such a nice even light to the bird.

What’s your favourite bird photo moment in the shade?

#birds #birding #photography #wildlife #nature by @global.birder

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16 days ago

Chestnut-throated Monal-Partridge. High up in the mountains of Sichuan, China is this very curious, unassuming species. It was incredibly cooperative and seemingly unafraid of human presence. For a gray-brown bird, it is certainly striking.

Have you seen one? 👀

#birds #birding #wildlife #photography #china by @global.birder

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17 days ago

Grandala — one male, all blue 💙

That deep sapphire blue with jet-black wings is the male Grandala in full finery. But don’t let the blue fool you! They have no blue pigment. What you’re seeing is as blue is actually from short, high energy light waves that are reflected back from tiny air pockets contained within keratin molecules.

Swipe through the portraits ➡️

These birds live life at altitude — alpine meadows and rocky slopes between 3,000 and 5,000 metres across the Himalayas. And for a thrush, this one breaks the mold: it snatches insects on the wing instead of hopping the ground after them.

What’s the bluest bird you’ve ever seen in the wild?

#grandala #himalayanbirds #birdphotography #birdingtravel #thrushes by @global.birder

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19 days ago

Most warblers have already left — but not the yellow-rumps. 💛

They're some of the last to head south, toughing out the cold long after the others have gone. This one was at Long Point, Ontario last weekend, where there was still a good variety of fall warblers moving through and yellow-rumps were the most abundant. I love their fall plumage… so warm.

What have you seen recently? 👀 Drop a comment ⬇️

#YellowRumpedWarbler #WarblersOfInstagram #FallMigration #OntarioBirds #BirdMigration Nuts_About_Birds Your_Best_Birds BirdPhotography CanadianWildlife NaturePhotography Birds Birding taken in Long Point Bird Observatory by @global.birder

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7 days ago

Square-tailed Bulbul

Native to the beautiful forests of South Asia, these vocal masters are famous for their incredible mimicry skills. They can imitate the calls of other bird species so flawlessly that they easily confuse birders, researchers and fellow birds alike. Talk about the ultimate feather-weight impressionist! 🎤✨

👇 Drop a comment below: Which bird do you think is the ultimate mimic? Let’s hear your wildest choices! 💬👇

#birds #nature #wildlife #callofthewild #birding taken in Sri Lanka by @global.birder

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13 days ago

Himalayan Owl.

Unlike adults who sport sleek, dark brown feathers, these adorable fledglings are covered in a dense, cream-colored down. This ultra-fluffy coat acts as a natural winter jacket, keeping them perfectly warm in the freezing altitudes of the Himalayas. As they grow, they trade this cozy down for their striking adult plumage! 🏔️✨

Drop a 🤎 if you think this little fluffball is cute, or comment your favorite type of owl below!

#WildlifeOnEarth #OwlsOfInstagram #BirdsOfPrey #AnimalPlanet #NatureCapture taken in China by @global.birder

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14 days ago

Great Horned Owl, giving me the look 👀

Found this one at dusk near Victoria, doing what horned owls do best — sitting perfectly still and judging everyone. Those ear tufts aren’t ears, by the way — just feathers. The real ears are hidden, asymmetrical, and insanely good at pinpointing prey in the dark.
Swipe for the full stare-down ➡️

What’s the most intense owl encounter you’ve had?

#greathornedowl #owlsofinstagram #birdingbc #birdphotography #victoriabc taken in Victoria, British Columbia by @global.birder

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a month ago

Song Sparrow

#birds #birding #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography taken in Victoria, British Columbia by @global.birder

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a month ago

Rufous-necked Snowfinch

#birds #birding #birdphotography #wildlife #naturephotography by @global.birder

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2 months ago

White-throated Redstart. Nearby, recently fledged babies were hiding in the underbrush. The adults were actively collecting small grasshoppers and grubs, perching very closely for some great photo opportunities.

#birds #birding #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography taken in China by @global.birder

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2 months ago

Common Rosefinch

#birds #birding #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography taken in China by @global.birder

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3 months ago

Brownish-flanked Bush Warbler. Characteristically skulky, it can be hard to get these fast shrub-dwelling warblers to put in an appearance worthy of a decent photo. This one showed well, just for a few seconds, even though partially concealed behind some branches.

#birds #birding #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography taken in China by @global.birder

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3 months ago